Michael Stanley, one of the most dynamic gallery directors in Britain has died age 36. In a statement on the Modern Art Oxford website a message reads: “We are deeply saddened to report the death of Modern Art Oxford’s Director, Michael Stanley. Michael joined the gallery in January 2009 and during this time he delivered a vibrant and critically acclaimed artistic programme”.
Stanley spearheaded an approach that showcased both neglected and established artists, as well as introducing cutting-edge contemporary artists. His approach was sometimes radical, often revelatory and always thought-provoking. As well as creating an exciting new gallery space, Michael initiated innovative joint ventures with other Oxford cultural institutions including the Ashmolean, the Old Power Station and the Radcliffe Observatory. The gallery has just finished an unprecedentedly successful exhibition of the British artist Jenny Saville. The show was both critically acclaimed and popular with the public.
David Isaac, Chair of Modern Art Oxford said he will be hugely missed by everyone in the artistic community both nationally and internationally. “We have lost a great talent; our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.” There is no further information available as to the cause of his untimely death.
Exhibitions that Director Michael Stanley was involved with at the gallery:
Pawel Althamer Common Task, David Austen End of Love, Karla Black Karla Black, Miroslaw Balka Topography,Johanna Billing I’m lost without your rhythm, Abraham Cruzvillegas Autoconstrucción: The Optimistic Failure of a Simultaneous Promise, Simon & Tom Bloor Hit and miss, Shezad Dawood Piercing Brightness, John Gerrard Exercise (Djibouti)
Thomas Houseago What Went Down, Howard Hodgkin Time and place, Regina José Galindo, Jon Lockhart Manuel Labour, Roman Ondák Time Capsule, Maria Pask Déja Vù, Manfred Pernice Baldt1, Susan Philipsz You are not alone, Michael Sailstorfer Clouds, Jenny Saville Jenny Saville, Graham Sutherland An Unfinished World, Kerry Tribe Dead Star Light, Richard Woods and DRMM Architects The Yard, Haegue Yang Teacher of Dance. His final project , The Jean-Luc Moulène exhibition will open on Saturday 29 September 2012.